HC Deb 11 May 1965 vol 712 cc250-1
11. Mr. Crawley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many definitive maps of rights of way have been produced by the Derbyshire County Council as required under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949; for what areas; and when the remaining maps will be completed.

Mr. Crossman

Two definitive maps have been produced, for the Swadlincote and Repton districts. I cannot say when the remaining maps will be completed, but I have been in communication with Derbyshire County Council who are, I know, anxious to get on as quickly as possible. I have also sent a reminder to other county councils.

Mr. Crawley

In view of the fact that this Act has been on the Statute Book for 15 years and an enormous amount still remains to be done, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will keep up his pressure on the county council?

Mr. Crossman

Yes, Sir, I will. In the case of Derbyshire I find that there were special reasons. The number of footpaths in Derbyshire is almost a record for a county. I satisfied myself that the council is treating this as a matter of urgency, but I made a special request to it that it should regard footpaths in the Peak National Park area as a matter of top priority, as I have done to all other county councils which have parts of national parks in their areas. The right thing is to complete these footpaths and we can deal with the others afterwards.

Mr. Webster

If Swadlincote is to be preserved for the nation, can the collected speeches of the Minister on mortgage rates be also preserved for the public?

Mr. Speaker

Order. A definitive map does not plot mortgage rates.

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